Who What Where When How Signifigance Flashcards
The Persons Case
The Persons Case was a landmark legal decision in Canada.
Who: It involved five women, known as the Famous Five - Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, and Irene Parlby.
What: The case challenged whether women were considered “persons” under the British North America Act and could therefore be appointed to the Senate.
Where: The case took place in Canada, with the final decision being made by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in Britain.
When: The case began in 1927 and was decided in 1929.
How: The Famous Five petitioned the Supreme Court of Canada, which ruled against them. They then appealed to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, which overturned the decision, declaring that women were indeed “persons” and eligible for Senate appointments.
Winnipeg General Strike
The Winnipeg General Strike was a significant labor action in Canadian history.
Who: It involved thousands of workers from various industries, including labor unions and workers from the city of Winnipeg.
What: The strike aimed to demand better working conditions, higher wages, and the right to collective bargaining.
Where: The strike took place in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
When: The strike began on May 15, 1919, and lasted until June 26, 1919.
How: The strike started when workers walked off their jobs in solidarity with metal and building trades workers. The situation escalated, leading to a general shutdown of the city, which prompted a strong response from the government and police, resulting in violence on “Bloody Saturday,” June 21, 1919. Ultimately, the strike ended without the workers achieving their demands, but it had a lasting impact on labor relations in Canada.
Channak Crisis
The Channak Crisis was an important event in Canadian history.
Who: It involved Canadian troops and British authorities.
What: The crisis arose when Canadian forces were sent to Chanak, Turkey, to protect British interests during a conflict involving Turkey and Greece.
Where: The situation unfolded in Chanak, Turkey, and involved Canadian forces stationed there.
When: The crisis occurred in September 1922.
Significance: The Channak Crisis is significant because it marked a turning point in Canada’s foreign policy. It was one of the first instances where Canada asserted its independence from British command in military matters. The Canadian government decided not to automatically support British military actions, signaling a shift towards greater autonomy in international affairs. This event laid the groundwork for Canada’s future foreign policy decisions and its gradual move towards full sovereignty.
Halibut Treaty
The Halibut Treaty was a significant agreement in Canadian-American relations.
Who: It involved the governments of Canada and the United States.
What: The treaty was aimed at regulating the halibut fishery in the North Pacific Ocean, specifically to establish limits on halibut fishing to ensure sustainable practices.
Where: The treaty applied to the waters of the North Pacific, particularly around the coasts of British Columbia and Alaska.
When: The Halibut Treaty was signed on March 2, 1923.
Significance: The Halibut Treaty is significant because it was one of the first treaties negotiated and signed independently by Canada, without British involvement. This marked a step towards Canada asserting its autonomy in international affairs and laid the foundation for future treaties and agreements between Canada and other nations. It demonstrated Canada’s growing independence and ability to engage in international diplomacy.
Balfour Declaration
The Balfour Declaration and the Imperial Conference are key events in the context of the British Empire and its dominions.
Who: The declaration was made by Arthur Balfour, the British Foreign Secretary, and involved the British government and leaders from the dominions, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
What: The Balfour Declaration, issued on November 2, 1917, expressed support for the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine. The Imperial Conference, held in 1926, was a meeting of representatives from the British Empire to discuss the relationship between Britain and its dominions.
Where: The declaration originated in Britain, while the Imperial Conference took place in London.
When: The Balfour Declaration was issued in 1917, and the Imperial Conference occurred in 1926.
Significance: The Balfour Declaration is significant as it marked a pivotal moment in the Zionist movement and the eventual establishment of Israel. The Imperial Conference of 1926 is notable for affirming the legislative independence of the dominions, leading to the Statute of Westminster in 1931, which granted full autonomy to the dominions within the British Empire. This shift helped define the modern relationship between Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, highlighting the transition from colonial rule to greater self-governance.
King Byng Crisis
The King-Byng Crisis was a pivotal moment in Canadian political history.
Who: It involved Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King and Governor General Lord Byng of Vimy.
What: The crisis arose when King requested that Byng dissolve Parliament and call a federal election. Byng refused, believing that King should first seek the confidence of the House of Commons after losing a key vote.
Where: This political confrontation took place in Canada, primarily in Ottawa.
When: The crisis occurred in 1926.
Significance: The King-Byng Crisis is significant as it highlighted the tensions between the elected government and the appointed Governor General. It raised questions about the role of the Governor General in Canadian politics and the limits of their powers. Ultimately, the crisis led to a greater understanding of responsible government in Canada and contributed to the eventual establishment of clearer conventions regarding the relationship between the monarchy and the Canadian Parliament. It also helped solidify the idea that elected officials should have the final say in governance, reinforcing democratic principles in Canada.
Statute of Westminster
The Statute of Westminster is a crucial piece of legislation in Canadian and Commonwealth history.
Who: The statute was passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom, affecting all dominions of the British Empire, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
What: The Statute of Westminster, enacted on December 11, 1931, granted full legal autonomy to the dominions, allowing them to make their own laws without interference from the British Parliament. It effectively ended the British Parliament’s authority over the dominions, except in areas where they chose to remain subordinate.
Where: The statute was passed in the United Kingdom but applied to all dominions of the British Empire.
When: It was enacted on December 11, 1931.
Significance: The Statute of Westminster is significant because it marked a key step towards full sovereignty for Canada and other dominions. It allowed these countries to establish their own legislative processes and make independent decisions, laying the groundwork for the eventual complete independence of Canada. This statute is often seen as a cornerstone in the development of Canada’s constitutional framework and its evolution as a self-governing nation within the Commonwealth.
